Author: Kazuo IshiguroGenre: Historical Fiction
Published: 1989
Personal Rating: 4/5
Yearly Count: 91
A deeply devoted English butler, Stevens, reminisces about his life in Darlington Hall. He believed, as a butler, it was his duty and responsibility to be selfless in every aspect of his life. Therefore, he devoted himself to giving Lord Darlington his very best. During this reminiscing, Stevens begins to discover himself.
This was a very good book. It took me a long time to become interested, but eventually I became attached to Stevens. After that happened, I was eager to hear more about his life. Interestingly enough, last year when I read Never Let Me Go I had the very same reaction. Ishiguro has a great talent for luring me into the depths of his novels and leaving me in a state of thoughtfulness. I'm glad I read this and the bonus is that it fits into three challenges!
Good to hear your thoughts. I've got this on my list for my 'I' author.
ReplyDeleteI've had this on my wish list for a while. I think it's time to move it closer to the top of the list.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird...this book just doesn't sound interesting at all to me, and yet everyone seems to love it. I'm going to have to give it a go someday, I guess. I do have Never Let Me Go on my book pile though, so I guess I'll try that one first.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking that I need to re-read The Remains of the Day one of these days. Reading Ishiguro makes me feel sleepy, but I still enjoy his books. His writing makes me think he would be a very interesting man.
ReplyDeleteI need to read another Ishiguro. This one and Never Let Me Go were both so wonderful. I'm glad you liked this one too.
ReplyDeleteI loved how he managed to say so much about Stevens without saying it, and by what Stevens actually said. It was quite an amazing piece of writing, because this isn't the type of book I would usally like at all. Can't you just see Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson in this movie?
Didn't read the book but LOVED the film!
ReplyDeleteI'm really curious to read Remains of the Day. I've read Never Let Me Go and his first book A Pale View of Hills and both left me cold. It's funny because I read A Pale View of Hills in college and really got into the analysis and thought I loved it. But I just re-read about 6 months ago and wondered if I had read the same book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this but have it on my list. Probably not this year though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts! This title is on my list for the 8 Books in '08 challenge. I watched the movie a couple of months ago and was kind of disappointed. I'm hoping that the book will be much more engrossing, since it allows for deeper insight into the characters' thoughts and actions.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Ishiguro, but I sure loved this movie. Hopkins and Thompson are a great combo! Have you seen it?
ReplyDeleteI've had this on TBR for over a year now! Must read!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Les, if you haven't seen the film you really should! Hopkins does a wonderful job as Stevens.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you ended up enjoying this one! I had the same reaction to this one--a little slow at the beginning but I was so drawn into the story and was a little sad to see it end. And Score! 3 challenges! And a third of the way through the classics challenge. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this book! So glad you enjoyed it. I have read a few other Ishiguro books and have really liked those as well but this is my favorite. The movie, believe it or not, is good too!
ReplyDeleteSuzi ~ I used Ishiguro for last year's "I Author" as well. I almost used another author, but this one worked better with other challenges.
ReplyDeleteLynne ~ I look forward to reading your review. I'll be watching for it. :)
Debi ~ You may want to wait if you have no interest in any of the blurbs you have read. I almost didn't continue. (Those challenges pulled me through again!) It's a slow draw, but in the long run, I'm glad I stuck it out.
Charley ~ Interesting comment on his writing making you sleepy. I felt the same way, which I attributed to boredom. If we continue though, that slow draw will get us everytime. We don't even know it's happening. :)
ReplyDeleteRaidergirl3 ~ His writing, in general, would not be something I would pick up on my own. I have read both of his for a challenge and have been pleasantly surprised. Now that you mention it, I think I would pick up another book by him. I have no idea what else he has written. I'll be fun finding out. :)
Mary ~ I think I just may rent this as a movie. Glad to know you loved it.
Nicole ~ Where we are in life, whether it's age, mood, preferences, etc. always seem to guide that meter of likeability. That's why it's so great when we are just awed by a book. Timing was perfect. :)
Amy ~ I think you would like this. I'll look for your review next year. :)
Megan ~ Well, the book is usually better than the movie, so I hope that stays true for your experience.
ReplyDeleteLes ~ Haven't seen it yet, but I want to.
Bybee ~ I hope it turns out to be worth the wait. :)
Tanabata ~ I just saw Hopkins in another movie, so I may have to wait to get that character out of my mind. I am definitely interested after reading all these rave reviews.
Trish ~ Thanks for the bonus read because I may have given up. :) And, it does have a "classics" flavor to it.
Iliana ~ I'm glad I read it and am excited about seeing the movie.
Really nice review Joy! This one has been on my TBR for too long, but I plan to read it for the Book Awards II Chhallenge. Bonus, I just bought it from a hospital used book sale.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any books by this author and I've not been drawn to him but perhaps I should reconsider.
ReplyDeleteTeddy ~ Gotta love sales! I think you'll like it Teddy. Just take it slow and easy. :)
ReplyDeleteKya ~ Challenges did it for me. I think he's a smooth writer. It's impressive when someone can draw you in when you aren't too impressed at first.
Have you read A Pale View of Hills? That's another good one.
ReplyDeleteNyssaneala ~ Do you react to his books in the same way I do? (slowly drawn in) I will check into A Pale View of Hills. Thank you.
ReplyDelete